(MOORESVILLE, NC) - Penske Racing announced Wednesday that south bend native David Stremme will drive the team's number-twelve Dodge on the Sprint Cup circuit in 2009.

Stremme replaces another South Bend native, Ryan Newman, at the wheel. Newman is leaving Penske at the end of this season and will drive a second car for Tony Stewart's new team next year.

Stremme has been a test driver for Penske this season after spending two seasons with Ganassi Racing. He lost his ride at Ganassi at the end of the 2007 season when his spot in the number-40 Dodge was taken by Indianapolis 500 champion Dario Franchitti. Ganassi shut down that team midway through this season due to a lack of sponsorship.

Franchitti landed with Ganassi's IndyCar Series team on Tuesday with Dan Wheldon leaving Ganassi for Panther Racing in 2009.